A Chinese Version of Rover?

1 Nov 2011By John Reed

This photo of what appears to be a PLA er, Chinese Army version of a Joint Terminal Attack Controller -- you know, the guy who calls in and coordinates airstrikes when his small unit is in close combat with the enemy. Anyone know what that device he's holding is? It looks like it might be a Chinese version of our ROVER targeting system.

ROVER famously provides ground troops with real time images from the sensors and targeting pods on aircraft overheard -- allowing for much better situational awareness and coordination between grunts and their air support.

Who knows how well the Chinese system works or how good China is at close air support. Still, its just another sign that the U.S. military doesn't have a lock down on the advanced ISR and comms gear that is fast becoming the hallmark of 21st century weapons technology.

Sound off in the comments if you have any ideas as to what the system is.